Porter-Cable rolls out new drill and radio

Porter-Cable added two tools to its 20-volt Max Linked System, which includes a range of core tools for woodworkers and other tradesmen that operates off the same battery system at an affordable price, according to the company.

The tools — a hammer drill and Bluetooth-compatible radio — operate off the company’s new 2.0 and 4.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries. The lineup also includes a drill, impact driver, reciprocating saw, circular saw, oscillating tool, grinder and LED flashlight.

“The biggest benefit of lithium-ion is longer run time,” product manager Sarah Peeples says. “A 4.0 Ah battery in li-ion is the same size as a 1 Ah battery in [nickel-cadmium]. You’re compromising a lot with ni-cad. Li-ion batteries are much smaller, which allow for a slide-pack design to make tools much more ergonomic. Also more compact size in the battery making the tools smaller and lighter.”

The hammer drill features a two-speed transmission, 1/2” metal ratcheting chuck and compact design. It weighs 3.7 lbs. and sells for $80 as a stand-alone tool.

The radio, which will be available in December, wirelessly streams music from a Bluetooth enabled smartphone. It features two speakers, a full roll cage, carry handle, and loops to hang it rafters or a ladder. It sells for $130.